Taftville husband pleads not guilty

A Taftville man accused of shooting to death his wife within a month of being married entered a not guilty plea Tuesday during a brief court appearance in New London.

Chihan Eric Chyung, 46, is charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm in the June 2 shooting death of his wife, Paige Bennett Chyung, 46, at their home at 257 Norwich Ave. in Norwich.

Responding to 911 calls at 11:39 p.m. June 2, Norwich police said they found Bennett’s body inside the house and Eric Chyung still at the scene. An autopsy revealed Bennett, a mother of three, was shot in the head.

After Chyung was found eligible for services of the public defender’s office, Judge Susan B. Handy Tuesday appointed defense attorney Kevin Barrs to represent him in the pending case.

Chyung spoke once in court, saying “I’ve always gone by Eric,” in response to questions from Handy about his name.

Bennett’s friends, co-workers and family looked on from the courtroom, but declined comment.

Chyung’s not guilty plea was a procedural step, typically entered to move the case into pre-trial process and to preserve his right to a jury trial.

Prosecuting attorney David Smith took steps to ensure information about the shooting, details that led to a manslaughter and not a murder charge, remained sealed from the public. Under state statute, first-degree manslaughter may be charged instead of murder in a homicide committed “under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance.”

Smith argued that the case is the subject of a ongoing investigation and more interviews were being conducted.

“Unfortunately, I think it could harm the investigation,” Smith said.

With no objection from Barrs, Handy ordered the prosecutor’s report and police arrest warrant affidavit sealed for another 30 days.

“Disclosure of those documents would compromise that investigation,” Handy said.

Chyung remains held on $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear July 2 in New London.